One of the most common questions buyers ask when considering new construction is simple: what's actually included? When everything in the home is brand new, from the roof to the appliances to the mechanical systems, it helps to understand exactly what you're getting before you sign a purchase agreement.
The short answer is that a new construction home includes everything you need to move in and live comfortably. But the details matter, and they vary from builder to builder. Here is a comprehensive look at what is typically included in a new construction home in the Twin Cities, and what to ask about during your buying process.
Structural and Exterior Features
Every new construction home starts with the structure itself. This includes the foundation, framing, roofing, siding (maintenance free siding) windows, exterior doors, attached garage, and driveway. In Minnesota, foundations are specifically engineered for our freeze-thaw cycles and local soil conditions. Roofing materials and drainage systems are selected for snow loads, and siding is chosen for durability and low maintenance across four seasons of weather.
New construction homes also include all grading, drainage, and initial landscaping as determined by the community's master plan. In association-maintained neighborhoods, the HOA takes over trash, landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal , and may include exterior maintenance after closing.
Mechanical Systems
New homes come equipped with complete, modern mechanical systems. This includes a high-efficiency furnace, central air conditioning, a water heater, a complete plumbing system, and a full electrical system with a modern breaker panel. All of these systems are brand new, covered by manufacturer warranties, and built to current energy codes.
In Minnesota, energy performance is not optional. Quality builders incorporate energy-efficient windows, well-installed insulation, and high-efficiency HVAC systems as standard. This means lower utility bills from day one and a home that performs well in both sub-zero winters and humid summers.
Kitchen Features
The kitchen is often the centerpiece of a new construction home, and most builders include a full suite of appliances: refrigerator, range or cooktop, wall oven, dishwasher, microwave, and garbage disposal. Beyond appliances, standard kitchen features typically include cabinetry, countertops, a kitchen island, and sink with fixtures.
Quality varies significantly between builders. Some offer builder-grade basics while others include meaningfully higher-end finishes as standard. At Ron Clark Construction & Design, for example, standard kitchens feature gourmet layouts with large islands, custom cabinetry, quality countertops, and abundant natural light. Understanding what "standard" means for a specific builder is one of the most important comparisons you can make.
Flooring
New construction homes include finished flooring throughout. Common standard options include hardwood or engineered wood flooring in main living areas, carpet in bedrooms, tile in bathrooms and entryways, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in lower levels, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone spaces.
The type and quality of standard flooring varies by builder and neighborhood. Some builders offer a base-level flooring package with upgrades available for an additional cost, while others include higher-quality flooring in their standard specification. Always ask what is included and what counts as an upgrade.
Bathrooms
Standard bathrooms in a new construction home include all fixtures: toilets, sinks, vanities, mirrors, and either a tub/shower combination or a walk-in shower depending on the bathroom. Primary suite bathrooms are typically the most finished space, often featuring double vanities, a walk-in shower with custom tile, and in some homes a soaking tub.
Quality finishes like frameless glass shower enclosures, upgraded tile, and premium fixtures may be standard with some builders and upgrades with others. This is another area where understanding a builder's standard specification saves you from surprises later.
Interior Finishes and Trim
New homes include all interior doors, trim, baseboards, and millwork. Paint is applied throughout, typically in builder-selected neutral tones unless the buyer chooses custom colors during the design selection process. Closets include rods and shelving, and the primary suite typically features a walk-in closet with built-in organization systems.
Lighting fixtures are included in every room, along with switches, outlets, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as required by code. Many builders also include ceiling fans in select rooms, recessed lighting in kitchens and living areas, and under-cabinet lighting.
Laundry
A dedicated laundry room with hookups for a washer and dryer is standard. Some builders include the washer and dryer themselves, while others provide the connections and leave appliance selection to the buyer. Many of the most popular new construction floor plans place the laundry room on the main level near the owner's suite for convenience and accessibility.
Smart Home and Technology Provisions
Modern new construction homes increasingly include technology-ready features. These may include smart thermostats, pre-wiring for home automation, structured wiring for internet and media, connected security system provisions, and in some cases, provisions for electric vehicle charging.
The scope of included smart home technology varies by builder and neighborhood. Some offer a fully integrated smart home package as standard, while others include basic provisions with optional upgrades. Ask your builder specifically what is included and what can be added during the design phase.
The Design Selection Process
One of the biggest advantages of buying new construction is the ability to personalize your home's finishes. After completing purchase documents, most builders schedule a design selection session where you work with a Design Coordinator to choose cabinetry styles, countertop materials, flooring types and colors, paint colors, appliance packages, fixtures, and hardware.
This process is one of the most exciting parts of building a new home. It is also where understanding the builder's standard specification matters most. A builder with a strong standard specification gives you a beautiful home even before upgrades, while a builder with a minimal baseline may require significant upgrades to achieve the finishes you expect.
Warranty Coverage
Every new construction home in Minnesota comes with warranty protection. At minimum, builders are required to provide coverage for workmanship and materials defects for the first year, 2 year warranty on all electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems, with structural coverage extending ten years. This means that if something is not right with your home after you move in, the builder is responsible for making it right.
Warranty coverage is one of the clearest advantages of buying new construction over an existing home. With a resale home, you inherit whatever condition the previous owner left behind. With new construction, everything is brand new and backed by a builder who stands behind their work.
What Is Usually Not Included
While new construction homes are move-in ready, there are a few things typically not included in the purchase price. Window coverings such as blinds, shades, and curtains are usually the buyer's responsibility. Furniture and decor are not included, though model homes can give you a strong sense of how to furnish each room. Some builders do not include the washer and dryer. And any upgrades beyond the standard specification, selected during the design phase, carry additional costs.
Landscaping beyond the initial installation varies by community. In association-maintained neighborhoods, the HOA handles ongoing landscaping, so buyers typically do not need to invest in their own yard care.
Questions to Ask Your Builder
Before purchasing a new construction home, ask your builder or New Home Specialist these key questions: What specific appliances are included in the standard package? What flooring materials and brands are standard? What does the owner's suite bathroom include? What smart home features are provided? What warranty coverage do you offer, and for how long? What is the process for selecting upgrades, and when do those decisions need to be finalized?
The answers to these questions will tell you a great deal about a builder's quality standards and how your home will look, feel, and perform for years to come.
Why Standard Specifications Matter
Not all new construction homes are created equal. Two homes at the same price point can have dramatically different standard features depending on the builder. A builder whose standard specification includes quality cabinetry, hardwood flooring, gourmet kitchen layouts, and energy-efficient systems delivers more value from day one than a builder who offers a lower base price but requires extensive upgrades to reach the same level of finish.
At Ron Clark Construction & Design, our standard specifications are meaningfully above average for the market. Every home includes gourmet kitchens with large islands, hardwood flooring, custom cabinetry, quality appliances, and abundant natural light. Our Construction and Design Coordinator walks every buyer through the full selection process so your home truly feels like yours.
To see what's included in a Ron Clark home, visit a model home or connect with a New Home Specialist at ronclark.com/ or 952-947-3000.